CA1323493C - Nutrient depleting envelopes containing aquatic plants - Google Patents
Nutrient depleting envelopes containing aquatic plantsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1323493C CA1323493C CA000605412A CA605412A CA1323493C CA 1323493 C CA1323493 C CA 1323493C CA 000605412 A CA000605412 A CA 000605412A CA 605412 A CA605412 A CA 605412A CA 1323493 C CA1323493 C CA 1323493C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plant
- water
- envelope
- aquatic
- aquatic plant
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Purification Treatments By Anaerobic Or Anaerobic And Aerobic Bacteria Or Animals (AREA)
- Hydroponics (AREA)
Abstract
NUTRIENT DEPLETING ENVELOPES CONTAINING AQUATIC PLANTS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A non-chemical method and system for depleting plant nutrient compounds in open bodies of water by cultivating aquatic plants in a container placed in the body of water. The container comprises an aquatic plant support, a phyto-compatible envelope surrounding the support surface and flotation means appended to the system for providing sufficient buoyancy to maintain the container within the photic zone. The system is not limited to any specific aquatic plant with the use of Ceratophyllum demersum being preferred for fresh water.
The method and system are advantagous because they permit environmentally safe control of undesirable eutrophication of the water and prevent contamination of the system with the plant being used for depletion.
12595-1PCT KAW/jh
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A non-chemical method and system for depleting plant nutrient compounds in open bodies of water by cultivating aquatic plants in a container placed in the body of water. The container comprises an aquatic plant support, a phyto-compatible envelope surrounding the support surface and flotation means appended to the system for providing sufficient buoyancy to maintain the container within the photic zone. The system is not limited to any specific aquatic plant with the use of Ceratophyllum demersum being preferred for fresh water.
The method and system are advantagous because they permit environmentally safe control of undesirable eutrophication of the water and prevent contamination of the system with the plant being used for depletion.
12595-1PCT KAW/jh
Description
1 323~3 12595--lPCT KAW/jh NUTRIENT DEPLETING ENVELOPES CONTAINING AQUATIC PI~NTS
A method and system for depleting plant nutrient comp~unds in open bodies o~ water by cultivating aquatic plants ln a container placed in the body of water~ The invention is directed primarily to maintaining high quality fresh water; however, the method and device described herein could be fashioned to e~fectively maintain other waters such as marsh water and sea water in its natural state.
The depletion of plant nutrients in a controlled ~ashion permits water quality to be maintained. Desired quality water standards are defined for lake water as potable water able to support sport fish and other organisms with relatively low amounts of aquatic plant growth. Maintenance of these parameters is depend2nt upon the control of bio-available nutrients that would otherwise support undesired plant growth.
The quality of lake waters is dependent on the availability and utilization of nutrient compounds such as nitrates and phosphates. If aquatic vegetation is allowed to become established, the absorption o~
nutrients by plant life strips these materials from the water. A satisfactory level of water quality is maintained so long as the population o~ aquatic plants is healthy and growth is controlled by a limited supply of nutrients. Where the nutrient levels are excessively high due to natural causes, man-made causes or both, the vegetation progressively continues to grow until the surface waters are covered, ~nd thus the uses of the lake are reduced. Swimming and boating activities become limited.
~5 Progressiv~ vegetation leads to two repercussions. One, the aquatic plants will grow to the point that dissolved oxygen levels, just prior to sun ~ .
'. , :
, :: .
.
~ 323~193 up, will be ~elow ~ ppm and ~he plants will begin to die. Two, the need to clear them ~rom the surface will sponsor the use of herbicides.
In both cases, the same nutrients that these plants stripped from the water will now begin to re-enter the water availablz for the remaining plants or, and much more likely, for algae.
The lake waters will now possess a new abundance of nutrient compounds. The availability of these nutrients will sponsor the growth of whatever aquatic plant or algae that can consume them most rapidly.
The species that will be capable of utilizing these nutrients most effectively are the phytoplanktons.
These very small organisms are generally single cell or colonies of independent cells that can double their biomass in as little as 72 hours. Their populations are dense and of a nature that produces the "pea soup"
appearance of a lake. They are capable of blocking light penetration and thus the death of all aquatic plants that existed prior to the algae bloom.
From this point forward, no larga aquatic plants will survive and the dominant "pea soup" algaes will retain control of the ecosystem. The lake waters will no longer support anything more than minimal fish life. The potential recreational uses of the lake are reduced further from those available prior to the elimination of tha large aquatic plants.
The present invention is directed to a environmentally safe, non-chemical method for depleting plant nutrient compounds in open bodies of water by cultivating aquatic plants in a system for containing and cultivating aquatic plants. The system comprises an aquatic plant support, a phyto-co~patible envelope surrounding the support sur~ace and flotation means appended to the device for providing sufficient buoyancy ' ' ~ . .
. , ~ .
~ 323493 to maintain the container within a photic zone of the water. The device is not limitad to any speciic aquatic plant with the use of Ceratophyllum demersum being preferred. The advantage of the method is that nutrient depletion will control undesirable eutrophication of the water and prevent contamination of the system with the plant being used for d~pletion.
By following the described methods and using the devices disclosed herein, one can effeck positive control over the rate of growth of aquatic plant li~e.
Positive control is effected by a reduction of plant nutrients through a controlled aquatic population capable of consuming nutrients ad2quately enough to prevent the growth of phytoplankton algaes, but without allowing the controlled aquatic population from overtaking the lake waters and start the cycle over again.
In addition to depleting plant nutrients, this system can be used to remove heavy metals from water.
Such metals would include cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, zinc and vanadium. C. Demersum is a preferred plant for removing such heavy metals.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment has been set forth in detail in conjun~tion with the accompanying drawing.
FIG. l is an overall view of the container made according to the invention.
30FIG. 2 is overhead view of the plant~support grat~ with flotation maans attached to each corner 11.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of Ceratophyllum demersum.
35This invention provides for an aquatic plant support system for cultivating aquatic plants.
.
.
-: ' ' .
.
1 323~93 ~ eferring now to FIG 1., thP system 2 includes an aquatic plant support 4 of plastic grated material which is capable o~ maintaining a plant 6 in position to maximize exposure to the sunlight in water 8. The aquatic plant support 4 may be solid instead of grated and is preferably made of light weight and rot resistant material such as plastic.
The plant support 4 is surrounded by a phyto-compatible envelope 10 of plastic mesh such as is commercially available from TWP Co. of Berkeley, California 94710 (polyethylene plastic netting). The phyto-compatible envelope 10 must be permeable to light, air and water. Specifically the envelope 10 should permit adequate light to reach the plant inside and permit fluid communication with the lake to allow for adequate growth of the plan~ inside~ The envelope is preferably a transparent plastic mesh that has a netting size sufficient to contain the reproductive or propagative parts of the plant material therein. In the preferred embodiment the overall envelope is in a pillow shape around the plant support. However the mesh need not enclose the entire support so long as the plant is fully contained within the envelope. For example, a tent like enclosure domed over the plant support would represent an operahle alternativP for use in this invention.
System 2 must have an overall buoyancy that permits the device to position the plants within the photic zone. The photic zone is that region of the lake water that is sufficiently transparent to sunlight that maximal growth of aquatic plants will occur. To achieve this, floats 12 are attached to system 2.
The floats 12 are not limited to the foam elements of the preferred embodiment described as system 2. Suitable means include materials or devices having a specific gravity below 1.0 and include hollow devices and closed cell foam, e.g. styrofoam. The illustrated floats could be replaced Dy any means for maintaining .' : ' ' ' , the system 2 within the photic zone. Depending upon tha specific ~ravity of the material, the plant support 4 and envelope 10, floats may be replaced with materials having a specific gravity in excess of 1Ø
In lieu of floats 12 and weights 14, system 2 could be suspended externally from a stationary point above the water. Flotation means can be attached either directly to support 4 as in the preferred embodiment or indirectly through a line tied to any point of the lQ support. It is prefarred that the floats are attached to the plant support but designs in which the flotation means are attached to the envelope should be readily apparent to those of skill.
System 2 also includes four weights 14 suspended from each corner 11 of the floats 12 by lines 16 to secure system 2 from being horizontally free floating about water 8.
System 2 can be designed as either a free floating container or preerably as a container secured to a single situs in the body of water. Means for securing or retaining system 2 are not limited to the arrangement o~ weights 14 and lines 16 offered in Fig.
1. Optional securing means can be attached to either the envelope, flotation means or plant support and are preferably a line for tying the container to a stationary point or to an anchor of material with a specific gravity in substantial excess of 1.0 such as stainless steel. Toxic heavy metals such as lead are not preferred but are functional e~uivalents for weights. In the~preferred embodiment non-degradable nylon or plastic lines 16 secure the device to a multiplicity of anchors. By varying the length of the lines 16, one can use th~ device in a variety of water depths while retaining the necessary position of the envelope within the photic zone.
Plants 6 useful for nutrient absorption are numerous and specific choices of species will depend upon the lake condLtions. Rootless plant species are : ' . '' ' `
, .
1 323~93 preferred because the uptake from the wat~r is typically faster for such plants than for rooting aquatic plants such as hyacinth. More preferred are rootless aquatic plant species with large propagating material such that escape of propagation material is minimized. Preferred genera are Certatophyllum sps. and preferred species are C. demersum and C. echinatum. C. demersum is rootless, will grow under a wide variety of conditions and has propagating buds of various sizes but none are smaller than about 1/16th of an inch. The anvelope mesh size must be sufficiently small to contain the buds of demersum or other plant selected for use in this device.
The following example is provided for general illustration and not by way of limitation. Those of skill will readily perceive variations needed to optimize the described invention for different lake, pond and other water body conditions.
To estimate the quantity of Ceratophyllum needed to control aquatic plant life, one would use the following approach. If under a given set of conditions a phytoplankton algal species can double their biomass in 72 hours and Ceratophyllum, under the same conditions can double its biomass in 15 days~ then an adequat~
quantity of Ceratophyllum mus~ exist so that in 72 hours its incraased biomass will be greater than that capable of being produced by a doubling of the existing phytoplankton biomass.
This relationship is important only for a brief period initially and, thereafter, only when a nutrient slug is inadvertently allowed to enter the water.
The initial process o~ introduction of the envelopes involves placing a minimal number in a lake infested with pIanktonic algaes. Secchi Disk readings (a device used to determine visible light penetration are taken. If the Secchi disk reading is 2 feet; then the envelopes are placed no lower than 2 feet from the surface of tha lake waters.
' . :
1 323~93 In addition, the P04-P levels are monitored for any major fluctuations, as are N03-N. Phosphate and nitrate assay tests are co~mercially available from numerous sources. The preferred assay methods are based upon those provided for in the current "Standard Methods," a publication available from the American Publ. Health Association, 1015 l~th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Ceratophyllum is allowed to grow at its maximum rate consuming all available nutrient compounds.
The decrease in planktonic algal species growth is monitored by use of a Chlorophyll "A'l test (see "Standard Methods"~ that measures indirectly the concentration of phytoplankton populations. The Ceratophyllum population or the number of envelopes is increased to accelerate the drop or decelerate the drop in the Chlorophyll 7'A" concentrations. In addition, the changes in P04-P and N03-N are also monitored to determine if influxes of nutrient compounds are influencing the population of phytoplankton.
The rate of growth of Ceratophyllum eventually matches any potential growth rates o~ phytoplankton.
Blooms are no longer possible and the goal is now simply to drop nutrient concentrations to the point of virtual elimination of phytoplankton above that needed to maintain adequate zooplankton populations.
The size of the envelope varies according to the size of the lake and the economics of scale. In large lakes, the envelope size may be dictated by the ease of transportation. For ease of handling~and for use in small ponds, a preferred envelope size is about 24 inches by 30 inches. For large lakes, the size of a envelope could be about 8 feet by 10 feet or larger such that flat bed trucks and cranes to off-load the envelope into a lake would be needed to handle the systems.
Maintenance procedures, from that point forward, are simply to cdeqLately monitor the n~trient :
.
, ~ 323~9~
concentrations in lake waters and eliminate any source of sudden nutrient spikes.
The envelopes are routinely brought to the surface, checked for availabla space and area for growth. Once full, they are harvested or replaced with another envelope with abundant available material.
Modification and variation of the disclosed embodiment can be achieved without departing from the subject of the invention as defined by the following claims.
..... - . ~--^ - -
A method and system for depleting plant nutrient comp~unds in open bodies o~ water by cultivating aquatic plants ln a container placed in the body of water~ The invention is directed primarily to maintaining high quality fresh water; however, the method and device described herein could be fashioned to e~fectively maintain other waters such as marsh water and sea water in its natural state.
The depletion of plant nutrients in a controlled ~ashion permits water quality to be maintained. Desired quality water standards are defined for lake water as potable water able to support sport fish and other organisms with relatively low amounts of aquatic plant growth. Maintenance of these parameters is depend2nt upon the control of bio-available nutrients that would otherwise support undesired plant growth.
The quality of lake waters is dependent on the availability and utilization of nutrient compounds such as nitrates and phosphates. If aquatic vegetation is allowed to become established, the absorption o~
nutrients by plant life strips these materials from the water. A satisfactory level of water quality is maintained so long as the population o~ aquatic plants is healthy and growth is controlled by a limited supply of nutrients. Where the nutrient levels are excessively high due to natural causes, man-made causes or both, the vegetation progressively continues to grow until the surface waters are covered, ~nd thus the uses of the lake are reduced. Swimming and boating activities become limited.
~5 Progressiv~ vegetation leads to two repercussions. One, the aquatic plants will grow to the point that dissolved oxygen levels, just prior to sun ~ .
'. , :
, :: .
.
~ 323~193 up, will be ~elow ~ ppm and ~he plants will begin to die. Two, the need to clear them ~rom the surface will sponsor the use of herbicides.
In both cases, the same nutrients that these plants stripped from the water will now begin to re-enter the water availablz for the remaining plants or, and much more likely, for algae.
The lake waters will now possess a new abundance of nutrient compounds. The availability of these nutrients will sponsor the growth of whatever aquatic plant or algae that can consume them most rapidly.
The species that will be capable of utilizing these nutrients most effectively are the phytoplanktons.
These very small organisms are generally single cell or colonies of independent cells that can double their biomass in as little as 72 hours. Their populations are dense and of a nature that produces the "pea soup"
appearance of a lake. They are capable of blocking light penetration and thus the death of all aquatic plants that existed prior to the algae bloom.
From this point forward, no larga aquatic plants will survive and the dominant "pea soup" algaes will retain control of the ecosystem. The lake waters will no longer support anything more than minimal fish life. The potential recreational uses of the lake are reduced further from those available prior to the elimination of tha large aquatic plants.
The present invention is directed to a environmentally safe, non-chemical method for depleting plant nutrient compounds in open bodies of water by cultivating aquatic plants in a system for containing and cultivating aquatic plants. The system comprises an aquatic plant support, a phyto-co~patible envelope surrounding the support sur~ace and flotation means appended to the device for providing sufficient buoyancy ' ' ~ . .
. , ~ .
~ 323493 to maintain the container within a photic zone of the water. The device is not limitad to any speciic aquatic plant with the use of Ceratophyllum demersum being preferred. The advantage of the method is that nutrient depletion will control undesirable eutrophication of the water and prevent contamination of the system with the plant being used for d~pletion.
By following the described methods and using the devices disclosed herein, one can effeck positive control over the rate of growth of aquatic plant li~e.
Positive control is effected by a reduction of plant nutrients through a controlled aquatic population capable of consuming nutrients ad2quately enough to prevent the growth of phytoplankton algaes, but without allowing the controlled aquatic population from overtaking the lake waters and start the cycle over again.
In addition to depleting plant nutrients, this system can be used to remove heavy metals from water.
Such metals would include cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, zinc and vanadium. C. Demersum is a preferred plant for removing such heavy metals.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment has been set forth in detail in conjun~tion with the accompanying drawing.
FIG. l is an overall view of the container made according to the invention.
30FIG. 2 is overhead view of the plant~support grat~ with flotation maans attached to each corner 11.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of Ceratophyllum demersum.
35This invention provides for an aquatic plant support system for cultivating aquatic plants.
.
.
-: ' ' .
.
1 323~93 ~ eferring now to FIG 1., thP system 2 includes an aquatic plant support 4 of plastic grated material which is capable o~ maintaining a plant 6 in position to maximize exposure to the sunlight in water 8. The aquatic plant support 4 may be solid instead of grated and is preferably made of light weight and rot resistant material such as plastic.
The plant support 4 is surrounded by a phyto-compatible envelope 10 of plastic mesh such as is commercially available from TWP Co. of Berkeley, California 94710 (polyethylene plastic netting). The phyto-compatible envelope 10 must be permeable to light, air and water. Specifically the envelope 10 should permit adequate light to reach the plant inside and permit fluid communication with the lake to allow for adequate growth of the plan~ inside~ The envelope is preferably a transparent plastic mesh that has a netting size sufficient to contain the reproductive or propagative parts of the plant material therein. In the preferred embodiment the overall envelope is in a pillow shape around the plant support. However the mesh need not enclose the entire support so long as the plant is fully contained within the envelope. For example, a tent like enclosure domed over the plant support would represent an operahle alternativP for use in this invention.
System 2 must have an overall buoyancy that permits the device to position the plants within the photic zone. The photic zone is that region of the lake water that is sufficiently transparent to sunlight that maximal growth of aquatic plants will occur. To achieve this, floats 12 are attached to system 2.
The floats 12 are not limited to the foam elements of the preferred embodiment described as system 2. Suitable means include materials or devices having a specific gravity below 1.0 and include hollow devices and closed cell foam, e.g. styrofoam. The illustrated floats could be replaced Dy any means for maintaining .' : ' ' ' , the system 2 within the photic zone. Depending upon tha specific ~ravity of the material, the plant support 4 and envelope 10, floats may be replaced with materials having a specific gravity in excess of 1Ø
In lieu of floats 12 and weights 14, system 2 could be suspended externally from a stationary point above the water. Flotation means can be attached either directly to support 4 as in the preferred embodiment or indirectly through a line tied to any point of the lQ support. It is prefarred that the floats are attached to the plant support but designs in which the flotation means are attached to the envelope should be readily apparent to those of skill.
System 2 also includes four weights 14 suspended from each corner 11 of the floats 12 by lines 16 to secure system 2 from being horizontally free floating about water 8.
System 2 can be designed as either a free floating container or preerably as a container secured to a single situs in the body of water. Means for securing or retaining system 2 are not limited to the arrangement o~ weights 14 and lines 16 offered in Fig.
1. Optional securing means can be attached to either the envelope, flotation means or plant support and are preferably a line for tying the container to a stationary point or to an anchor of material with a specific gravity in substantial excess of 1.0 such as stainless steel. Toxic heavy metals such as lead are not preferred but are functional e~uivalents for weights. In the~preferred embodiment non-degradable nylon or plastic lines 16 secure the device to a multiplicity of anchors. By varying the length of the lines 16, one can use th~ device in a variety of water depths while retaining the necessary position of the envelope within the photic zone.
Plants 6 useful for nutrient absorption are numerous and specific choices of species will depend upon the lake condLtions. Rootless plant species are : ' . '' ' `
, .
1 323~93 preferred because the uptake from the wat~r is typically faster for such plants than for rooting aquatic plants such as hyacinth. More preferred are rootless aquatic plant species with large propagating material such that escape of propagation material is minimized. Preferred genera are Certatophyllum sps. and preferred species are C. demersum and C. echinatum. C. demersum is rootless, will grow under a wide variety of conditions and has propagating buds of various sizes but none are smaller than about 1/16th of an inch. The anvelope mesh size must be sufficiently small to contain the buds of demersum or other plant selected for use in this device.
The following example is provided for general illustration and not by way of limitation. Those of skill will readily perceive variations needed to optimize the described invention for different lake, pond and other water body conditions.
To estimate the quantity of Ceratophyllum needed to control aquatic plant life, one would use the following approach. If under a given set of conditions a phytoplankton algal species can double their biomass in 72 hours and Ceratophyllum, under the same conditions can double its biomass in 15 days~ then an adequat~
quantity of Ceratophyllum mus~ exist so that in 72 hours its incraased biomass will be greater than that capable of being produced by a doubling of the existing phytoplankton biomass.
This relationship is important only for a brief period initially and, thereafter, only when a nutrient slug is inadvertently allowed to enter the water.
The initial process o~ introduction of the envelopes involves placing a minimal number in a lake infested with pIanktonic algaes. Secchi Disk readings (a device used to determine visible light penetration are taken. If the Secchi disk reading is 2 feet; then the envelopes are placed no lower than 2 feet from the surface of tha lake waters.
' . :
1 323~93 In addition, the P04-P levels are monitored for any major fluctuations, as are N03-N. Phosphate and nitrate assay tests are co~mercially available from numerous sources. The preferred assay methods are based upon those provided for in the current "Standard Methods," a publication available from the American Publ. Health Association, 1015 l~th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Ceratophyllum is allowed to grow at its maximum rate consuming all available nutrient compounds.
The decrease in planktonic algal species growth is monitored by use of a Chlorophyll "A'l test (see "Standard Methods"~ that measures indirectly the concentration of phytoplankton populations. The Ceratophyllum population or the number of envelopes is increased to accelerate the drop or decelerate the drop in the Chlorophyll 7'A" concentrations. In addition, the changes in P04-P and N03-N are also monitored to determine if influxes of nutrient compounds are influencing the population of phytoplankton.
The rate of growth of Ceratophyllum eventually matches any potential growth rates o~ phytoplankton.
Blooms are no longer possible and the goal is now simply to drop nutrient concentrations to the point of virtual elimination of phytoplankton above that needed to maintain adequate zooplankton populations.
The size of the envelope varies according to the size of the lake and the economics of scale. In large lakes, the envelope size may be dictated by the ease of transportation. For ease of handling~and for use in small ponds, a preferred envelope size is about 24 inches by 30 inches. For large lakes, the size of a envelope could be about 8 feet by 10 feet or larger such that flat bed trucks and cranes to off-load the envelope into a lake would be needed to handle the systems.
Maintenance procedures, from that point forward, are simply to cdeqLately monitor the n~trient :
.
, ~ 323~9~
concentrations in lake waters and eliminate any source of sudden nutrient spikes.
The envelopes are routinely brought to the surface, checked for availabla space and area for growth. Once full, they are harvested or replaced with another envelope with abundant available material.
Modification and variation of the disclosed embodiment can be achieved without departing from the subject of the invention as defined by the following claims.
..... - . ~--^ - -
Claims (22)
1. A method for depleting plant nutrient compounds in open bodies of water by cultivating an aquatic plant inside a water, air and light permeable envelope placed in the body of water, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of cultivating includes the selection of a rootless aquatic plant.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the water is fresh water and the step of cultivating an aquatic plant includes the selection of a plant adapted to growth in fresh water.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the aquatic plant is selected from the group consisting of Ceratophyllum sps.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the aquatic plant is selected from the group consisting of Ceratophyllum demersum and Ceratophyllum echinatum.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the aquatic plant is Ceratophyllum demersum.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting a container adapted to prevent repoductive material of the plant from escaping the container.
8. A method for removing heavy metals from open bodies of water by cultivating an aquatic plant inside a water, air and light permeable envelope placed in the body of water, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water.
9. A method of claim 8 wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of ceratophyllm sps.
10. A method for depleting plant nutrient compounds in a body of water comprising the following steps:
selecting a water, air and light permeable envelope adapted to fully contain an aquatic plant to prevent the aquatic plant from escaping from the envelope; and placing the envelope and fully contained aquatic plant therein into the body of waker, whereby the aquatic plant can grow and deplete the plant nutrient compounds from the body of water while fully contained within the envelope.
selecting a water, air and light permeable envelope adapted to fully contain an aquatic plant to prevent the aquatic plant from escaping from the envelope; and placing the envelope and fully contained aquatic plant therein into the body of waker, whereby the aquatic plant can grow and deplete the plant nutrient compounds from the body of water while fully contained within the envelope.
11. A system for cultivating an aquatic plant within the photic zone of a body of water so as to deplete the water of plant nutrient compounds comprising:
an aquatic plant support for supporting the aquatic plant;
a phyto-compatible envelope surrounding the support surface and aquatic plant, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water; and means for maintaining the envelope and support therein within the photic zone.
an aquatic plant support for supporting the aquatic plant;
a phyto-compatible envelope surrounding the support surface and aquatic plant, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water; and means for maintaining the envelope and support therein within the photic zone.
12. A system of claim 11 having means for retaining the entire system to a selected location in the body of water.
13. A system of claim 12 wherein the securing means comprise weights attached to the system by depth adjustable fasteners.
14. A system of claim 11 wherein the phyto-compatible envelope includes a light transparent, air permeable and fluid permeable material.
15. A system of claim 14 wherein the envelope includes a plastic net.
16. A system of claim 11 wherein the support includes a rigid grating platform.
17. A system of claim 11 wherein the means for maintaining the envelope and support therein within the photic zone comprise flotation means appended to the system for providing sufficient buoyancy to maintain the system within the photic zone.
18. A system of claim 17 wherein the floatation means have a specific gravity below 1Ø
19. A system of claim 18 wherein the floatation means include of foam floats having closed cells.
20. A system for depleting plant nutrient compounds in a open body of fresh water comprising:
an aquatic plant;
a envelope for containing the aquatic plant, said envelope permitting exchange of water and passage of light sufficient to support the growth of the plant, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water;
a plant growth support structure contained within the envelope; and floats attached to the system so as to suspend the envelope within a photo zone of the body of water.
an aquatic plant;
a envelope for containing the aquatic plant, said envelope permitting exchange of water and passage of light sufficient to support the growth of the plant, said envelope fully containing the plant such that the plant cannot escape into the body of water;
a plant growth support structure contained within the envelope; and floats attached to the system so as to suspend the envelope within a photo zone of the body of water.
21. A system of claim 20 wherein the envelope is comprised of a mesh capable of retaining the propagating material of the plant.
22. A system of claim 20 wherein the plant is Ceratophyllum demersum, the envelope comprises a pillow-shaped enclosure of clear plastic mesh, the support structure comprises a rigid plastic grate having a grid pattern of about 1 inch, the floats comprise styrofoam and the system further includes at least one securing weight attached to the system by a length of rope.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US217,927 | 1988-07-12 | ||
| US07/217,927 US4888912A (en) | 1988-07-12 | 1988-07-12 | Nutrient depleting envelopes containing aquatic plants |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1323493C true CA1323493C (en) | 1993-10-26 |
Family
ID=22813045
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000605412A Expired - Fee Related CA1323493C (en) | 1988-07-12 | 1989-07-11 | Nutrient depleting envelopes containing aquatic plants |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4888912A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1323493C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990000348A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5528856A (en) * | 1995-02-15 | 1996-06-25 | Landmark Reclamation, Inc. | Biomass impoundment management system for purifying water |
| US5811007A (en) * | 1996-10-09 | 1998-09-22 | Mfm Environmental Co. | Vascular plant aquaculture and bioremediation system and method |
| US5820759A (en) * | 1996-10-09 | 1998-10-13 | Mfm Environmental Co. | Integrated aquaculture and bioremediation system and method |
| FR2770088B1 (en) * | 1997-10-27 | 1999-12-31 | Jacques Berry | SITE FOR AQUATIC PLANTATIONS |
| GB2350595B (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2005-01-12 | Richard Hooper | Floating planter |
| US6751903B2 (en) | 2001-08-18 | 2004-06-22 | Arnold Shryock | Modular floating decorative garden and related water quality process |
| US6786002B2 (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2004-09-07 | Mark R. Prescott | Floatable device |
| US8507253B2 (en) | 2002-05-13 | 2013-08-13 | Algae Systems, LLC | Photobioreactor cell culture systems, methods for preconditioning photosynthetic organisms, and cultures of photosynthetic organisms produced thereby |
| US20050044788A1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2005-03-03 | Chung-Shih Tang | Floating plant cultivation platform and method for growing terrestrial plants in saline water of various salinities for multiple purposes |
| US20050183331A1 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2005-08-25 | Fountainhead L.L.C. | Super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat |
| CN101704579A (en) * | 2004-05-24 | 2010-05-12 | 方太海德有限公司 | Floating island |
| US8110395B2 (en) | 2006-07-10 | 2012-02-07 | Algae Systems, LLC | Photobioreactor systems and methods for treating CO2-enriched gas and producing biomass |
| US7776216B1 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2010-08-17 | Aquafiber Technologies Corp. | Floating aquatic plant culture systems and associated methods |
| AP2009005054A0 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2009-12-31 | Greenfuel Technologies Corp | Photobioreactor systems positioned on bodies of water |
| KR100991373B1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-11-02 | 인하대학교 산학협력단 | Photobioreactor for marine microalgal mass cultures using permeable menbrane |
| US8409845B2 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2013-04-02 | The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) | Algae bioreactor using submerged enclosures with semi-permeable membranes |
| NL2002527C2 (en) * | 2009-02-13 | 2010-08-16 | Cultivation Systems B.V. | METHOD FOR GROWING A CROP AS WELL AS PLATE OR FLOATER |
| US7921595B1 (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2011-04-12 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Floating biomass producing system |
| US8443749B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2013-05-21 | Fountainhead, L.L.C. | Floating island module comprised of post-consumer carpet fiber matrix and method of manufacturing same |
| US8409852B2 (en) | 2011-06-21 | 2013-04-02 | Daniel S. Redford | Aquatic-based microalgae production apparatus |
| FR2996407B1 (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2014-11-28 | Rene Munier | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CULTIVATING ALGAE IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT |
| DE102017110042B4 (en) * | 2017-05-10 | 2023-12-07 | Geomar Helmholtz-Zentrum Für Ozeanforschung Kiel | Organism cultivation device for cultivating unicellular and multicellular organisms and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1495709A (en) * | 1974-01-28 | 1977-12-21 | British Petroleum Co | Method and apparatus for growing plant cells |
| US4037360A (en) * | 1974-12-30 | 1977-07-26 | Farnsworth Robert S | Raft apparatus for growing plants by means of water culture |
| US4079547A (en) * | 1976-10-04 | 1978-03-21 | Walker Fred L | Cellular moist film plant culture system |
| SE422872B (en) * | 1977-07-07 | 1982-04-05 | Heden Carl Goeran | SET AND APPARATUS TO CLIMATE A BUILDING CONSTRUCTION |
| US4169050A (en) * | 1977-11-03 | 1979-09-25 | Solar Aquasystems, Inc. | Buoyant contact surfaces in waste treatment pond |
| JPS5561736A (en) * | 1978-10-28 | 1980-05-09 | Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kk | Laver breeding method and material |
| US4487588A (en) * | 1982-08-10 | 1984-12-11 | Mangrove Systems, Inc. | Submersible raft for the cultivation of plant life |
| JPS60105444A (en) * | 1983-11-11 | 1985-06-10 | 府川 進 | Rope base material for constructing marine algae bank |
| US4536988A (en) * | 1984-01-31 | 1985-08-27 | The Lemna Corporation | Aquatic biomass containment barrier and method of assembling same |
| SE8505383D0 (en) * | 1985-11-13 | 1985-11-13 | Atlas Copco Ab | DEVICE FOR IMPROVING THE PHOSPHORUS ELIMINATION CAPACITY OF A BODY OF WATER |
| JPH105444A (en) * | 1996-06-20 | 1998-01-13 | Sega Enterp Ltd | Video game system |
-
1988
- 1988-07-12 US US07/217,927 patent/US4888912A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1989
- 1989-07-11 WO PCT/US1989/003038 patent/WO1990000348A1/en unknown
- 1989-07-11 CA CA000605412A patent/CA1323493C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1990000348A1 (en) | 1990-01-25 |
| US4888912A (en) | 1989-12-26 |
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